The protein debate

Actually no, not me. It was fun to pretend for a sec and “check on things” 😉

We did the usual routine: I prep, he grills. The Pilot is just so good at it, and you shouldn’t mess with perfection, really.

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The star of the show was the veggies: salty zucchini and bursting, garlicky tomatoes.

For the main course, I’m pretty sure Bell can tell you what it was…

The C-word <—we can’t say “chicken” around Bella, or she goes bananas

The grilled avocado was an idea I saw on Pinterest. You get some lovely char marks on the ‘cado and fill the little boat with salsa and top with cheese. It looks as awesome as it sounds.

Well, we kind of forgot about the avocado and ended up with a charbroiled, but still tasty version. We’ll get it next time 🙂

So, we’ve been eating a lot of chicken over here lately.

I haven’t had time to make separate meals and we both like chicken, non-salmon fish doesn’t sound great lately, chicken is very versatile and an easy way to get in a hefty amount of protein at once. Since I’ve been able to get back into strength training on a semi-regular basis, I’m trying to get in high-quality protein at every meal. It’s easy to do with animal proteins, like chicken and eggs (which I looooooove), and through the usual culprits, like beans, nuts, quinoa, etc. Veggies also have surprising amounts of protein (like the 2g in 6 Brussels sprouts!), but it can take more calories to get the protein you need by only relying on these sources.

I’m of the belief that by consuming whole foods, lots of fresh fruits and veggies, and proteins of choice, you’ll get enough of what you need. Anything in excess isn’t a good idea, whether it’s protein, or ice cream. Moderation is the way to go.

Are you mindful of your protein intake, or trust that by eating whole foods, you’re getting enough?

I’m mindful of my protein intake, because otherwise I’ll take a nice daylong ride on the carb wagon 😉

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129 Comments

Kelseyon March 21, 2012 at 10:29 pm

I really enjoy reading your blog! I wanted to ask if you would do a post on a typical grocery trip? Please forgive me if you have already done one. I did try and search to see if you had already done one but I didn’t have any luck finding a post on this topic! I would like to up my veggie intake and was intrigued when you said lots of veggies! Thanks! 🙂

Love your postings, always so sensible. I must confess I am confused by the protein issue, animal vs. vegan. I have tried eating raw during the day and then a regular dinner. I also work out (currently derailed by shoulder surgery but hope to be back soon!) vigorously, so I find it’s really hard to be raw and getting enough quality protein w/o excessive calories. If I don’t have some eggs or turkey or tuna after a work out, I get VERY HUNGRY. But then there are many successful raw food athletes. What’s your take? Thanks, Cathy :>

Until about a year ago- I thought I could get everything I needed with whole foods- but as a vegan I wasn’t and didn’t know it until my body was shutting down. Once I started eating eggs, dairy and protein powder I felt so much better- and my body was craving it all the time. I have to supplement with protein powders- otherwise it is close to impossible to eat enough of it to support my workouts.

I’m mindful of my protein intake mostly because a high-protein meal [balanced out with some carbs and fiber] keeps me fuller longer… Eggs, Greek yogurt, white meats [chicken, turkey], and fish are my go-to’s, although I have been incorporating more nuts lately!

If Roscoe hears “outside” or “bye-bye” (as in car ride) you better get out of the way because he will bowl you over on his way to the door. I’ve never seen a tail wag so fast; sometimes he gets so excited he hits himself in the face with it! And dont even think of saying one of those 2 words and then getting side tracked; he will lay down and howl (bassett/beagle mix) until you are aware that you said you were going to go somewhere.

I agree with the everything in moderation…because when you have too high of a protein diet, yes the protein is stored as fat. When you have too low of protein, other complications arise such as malnutrition and eventual breaking down of muscles and the liver.

OK, your (or the pilot’s) grilled chicken looks so delish and moist! What do you season it with and any tips for grilling the perfect chicken? My husband is great on the grill and our chicken is good, but it can be better! Any tips are appreciated..thanks!

he makes PERFECT chicken! i think the major thing is that he uses the meat thermometer to check when it’s perfectly cooked. we season it differently each time. that time, i used red wine vinaigrette, garlic, sea salt, pepper and thyme

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